If you have a backyard in California, there’s some important news for you. New rules called ‘’Zone Zero’ are being implemented to protect houses from wildfires, and could change the way in which owners maintain their backyards and green areas (mostly in places where wildfires are frequent). Even though the goal is to keep houses safer, many neighbors are worried about the impact these new rules could have on their neighborhoods, trees, and the appearance of their backyards. So, let’s learn more about this situation.
Zone Zero rules
These rules aim to reduce the risk of wildfires reaching houses, and the main idea is to keep inflammable materials away from them. Let’s see some specific examples about these rules:
- Any plants, mulch, or other materials that could catch fire easily cannot be placed within five feet (about 1.5 meters) of a house.
- These rules mostly affect areas where wildfires are a risk.
- About 2 million homes in California will be affected, which is roughly 17% of all structures in the state.
The aim is to avoid embers from jumping from one house to another during a fire. The Zone Zero rules will start in January and they will be gradually implemented throughout the next three years.
Why some neighbors are worried
Many neighbors believe Zone Zero rules could drastically change their backyards and their neighborhoods. Here are some of the main concerns:
- Loss of shade and trees: Removing plants and trees near houses could make neighborhoods hotter.
- Destabilized hillsides: Clearing vegetation could lead to more erosion and unsafe slopes.
- Higher costs: Homeowners may have to spend a lot to comply. In Los Angeles, it’s estimated that each property could cost about $13,000, and 2,000 acres of vegetation might need to be removed.
- Impact on energy bills and comfort: Without trees and plants providing shade, houses may need more air conditioning, raising energy bills.
Thelma Waxman, president of the Brentwood Homeowners Association, said:
“Zone Zero would devastate our neighborhood, stripping shade, destabilizing hillsides, raising energy bills, and straining the grid, all without making us safer.”
What about Zone Zero supporters?
Officials from the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection argue that the rules are not as extreme as some think:
- Residents don’t necessarily have to cut down all trees or remove all vegetation.
- The main goal is to keep the area closest to the house clean and safe.
- This means removing dead branches, clearing debris, and keeping mulch or wood chips away from the house.
Tony Anderson, Executive Director of the forestry board, said:
“No dead or dying branches, make sure debris is off your roof, and rake back mulch around your home. The draft rules ask that residents maintain their landscaping safely.”
How this will affect backyards
For many owners, these rules will directly affect their backyards. How?:
- Some plants or shrubs may need to be moved or removed.
- Mulch, wood chips, or other flammable materials should be kept a few feet away from the house.
- Gardens may look different, but the intention is to protect homes from fire.
Experts say that while the changes might seem inconvenient, they could help prevent fires from spreading quickly from one home to another. According to Yana Valachovic, an advisor to the forestry board:
“We’ve lost 57,000 structures in the state over the past decade to fires. Two hundred people have died, and one out of every seven acres has burned.”
So…
If you have a backyard in California, it’s a good idea to start thinking about what you can do now to make your home safer while keeping your yard enjoyable. By following the rules thoughtfully, families can protect their homes, reduce fire risks, and still enjoy their outdoor spaces. Do you think these Zone Zero rules are a good idea?